Oh, adolescence. It’s not an easy period for kids or parents. But with a little patience, communication, and active listening, we can all make it through to the other side. So where do you start? Book a weekly or biweekly date to hang out. Although the rollercoaster of adolescence can be a bumpy ride, spending time together doesn’t have to be challenging.
As a school principal and having also taught Kindergarten through Grade 12 over the past two decades, I have spent a lot of time talking with families about independence, organization, motivation, and executive functioning. Yet despite all my years in education, I still have mornings at home with my own two teens where I wonder how it’s possible to forget a backpack that is sitting right beside the front door.
Many teen girls are incredibly good at keeping the peace.
When tweens and teens start pulling away from parents, it’s a natural part of their age and stage of development. But, even when they withdraw, they need us more than ever. Young people depend on caring adults to meet their relational needs of love and safety.
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